RICHMOND INDIANAPOLIS TERRE HAUTE

Church members give out free gas cards Former Robbery Inc. leader is arrested New hotel to replace city landmark

Church members give out free gas cards Former Robbery Inc. leader is arrested New hotel to replace city landmark

November 12, 2005

A group of church volunteers answered the prayers of at least some looking for gas prices to drop. Cross Community Church members spent part of their afternoon Wednesday at a gas station handing out free $5 and $10 gift cards. The volunteers called it a "random act of kindness." "Just helping people with whatever we can possibly help with -- that's our goal," said Carol Hensel, a volunteer from the church in Richmond, 70 miles east of Indianapolis. The volunteers also wiped windshields, handed motorists a free bottle of water and wished them well on their way. A paroled bank robber was arrested on a federal weapons charge nine months after he was released after serving 28 years in prison. A task force of federal, state and local officers arrested Morris Johnson, 68, at a motel near the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday after he tried to buy several weapons, officials said. Johnson planned to buy several automatic and semiautomatic weapons, she said. He is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson was paroled in February. Authorities say he helped lead a gang that police called Robbery Inc. steal more than $2 million over 20 years. A developer plans to build a new hotel on the site of the Terre Haute House, a 10-story hotel that is currently being demolished. The 127-room Hilton Garden Inn will also carry the name Terre Haute House. Construction will begin in spring, with a scheduled opening in summer 2007. IndianaBRIEFS